Key takeaways
- SQL injection, cross-site scripting, DDoS are still the most common threats
- Firewalls monitor and filter incoming traffic to protect web apps
- Web hosts should provide malware scanning and removal
- Authentication and authorization protect sensitive data
- Stored and transmitted data should be encrypted
Client-side vs. server-side configurations
Client-side security focuses on the functionality and code in the user’s browser. Cybercriminals can access and change this code easily, making it inherently more vulnerable to attacks. Server-side security involves the backend, where sensitive data is processed and stored.
Common vulnerabilities
Server-side elements tend to be more protected within controlled environments, but they remain vulnerable to attack vectors like SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and distributed denial of service (DDoS). In 2023, SQL injection was the main source of critical web app vulnerabilities globally, with 23%. XSS attacks accounted for 19% of critical internet-facing vulnerabilities. DDoS attacks more than doubled between 2022 and 2023, up by nearly 112%.
Cloudflare reports having mitigated a startling 8.5 million DDoS attacks in the first half of 2024: 4.5 million in the first quarter and 4 million in the second. The platform adds that the number of DDoS attacks increased 20% year-over-year in Q2 but declined by 11% compared to the previous quarter.
The solutions: Web application firewalls and secure hosting
Firewalls monitor and filter incoming traffic to protect web applications. They analyze HTTP requests and responses in real-time to detect and block XSS, DDoS, and common SQL injection attacks. Secure web hosting is more critical than ever, with cyberthreats becoming increasingly sophisticated. Web hosting providers must follow the best security practices, which include malware scanning and removal. This helps detect and eliminate any malicious code that a website may have been infected with.
Many web hosting providers offer software patches and regular updates to address system vulnerabilities. Security measures may include anti-malware software and an anti-DDoS traffic analyzer to protect a hosting account from cyber threats. When the tool finds malware, it displays the number of suspicious files that have been detected and cleaned. It also provides a summary that includes the total malware discovered, actions taken, malware timeline for a specific past period, and the details of the compromised and malicious files.
WordPress is still one of the most popular content systems globally, so website owners should invest in secure WordPress hosting to protect their sites from threats.
Authentication and authorization
The above security measures are critical in that they ensure only legitimate users can access and perform certain actions within an app. Authentication verifies user identities through passwords and, increasingly, multi-factor authentication or biometric verification.
The most effective procedures protect sensitive data and functions by stopping unauthorized users from accessing and modifying server-side configurations. Implementing secure authentication protocols such as OpenID Connect or OAuth and enforcing stringent access control is essential.
Encryption of stored and transmitted data
Globally, it has taken an average of 194 days to identify a data breach so far in 2024. This is followed by another 64 days, which is how long it takes to contain a breach, and that’s not even when most costs are incurred. This happens within a year of the breach with 51% of the total costs incurred at this time. According to Verizon’s 2024 data breach investigation report, 95% of breaches are financially motivated, up 24% in the last five years.
Encryption protects sensitive data while it’s at rest and while it’s traveling between clients and servers. AES and other strong algorithms can encrypt files, databases, and backups and prevent unauthorized parties from changing the data even if they gain access to it.
Server responses, user inputs, and other data in transit should be encrypted using Transport Layer Security to prevent tampering or interception. These security practices prevent unauthorized access, making sure sensitive data remains confidential in the event of a breach.
Final thoughts
Server-side configurations play a crucial role in fortifying websites. Users can significantly reduce vulnerabilities and safeguard sensitive data by implementing robust measures such as firewalls, encryption, secure server configurations, and regular patching. These proactive steps mitigate the risks of unauthorized access, malware infections, and data breaches and ensure that websites perform well and inspire visitors’ trust.
